KR102150021B1 - A refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.
The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; A condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; A refrigerant pipe for guiding the flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; A plurality of evaporation passages branched from the refrigerant pipe and in which an expansion device is installed; A flow control unit provided in the refrigerant pipe and supplying a refrigerant to at least one of the plurality of evaporation passages; A plurality of evaporators connected to the plurality of evaporation passages, respectively, for evaporating the refrigerant depressurized by the plurality of expansion devices; And a liquid refrigerant supply device provided at the outlet side of the condenser and supplying the liquid refrigerant to the flow control unit by separating the liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the condenser.

Description

Refrigerator {A refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is provided with a plurality of storage compartments in which storage materials are accommodated to freeze or refrigerate food, and one surface of the storage compartment is opened to receive and take out the food. The plurality of storage chambers include a freezing chamber for frozen storage of food and a refrigerating chamber for refrigerating storage of food.

In the refrigerator, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant circulates is driven. Devices constituting the refrigeration system include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The evaporator may include a first evaporator provided on one side of the refrigerating compartment and a second evaporator provided on one side of the freezing compartment.

The cold air stored in the refrigerating chamber is cooled while passing through the first evaporator, and the cooled cold air may be supplied back to the refrigerating chamber. In addition, the cold air stored in the freezing chamber is cooled while passing through the second evaporator, and the cooled cold air may be supplied back to the freezing chamber.

As described above, in a conventional refrigerator, independent cooling is performed in a plurality of storage rooms through separate evaporators.

In this regard, the present applicant has received a patent registration (prior patent registration number 10-1275184, registration date June 10, 2013).

In the refrigeration system according to the preceding patent, a compressor 140, a condenser 150, a refrigerant supply means 170, an expansion device 113 and 123, a first evaporator 110 and a second evaporator 120 are disclosed. The first evaporator 110 and the second evaporator 120 are understood as heat exchangers provided for cooling separate storage chambers, respectively.

The refrigerant supply means 170 may be configured as a three-way valve, and the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply means 170 may be guided to the first evaporator 110 or the second evaporator 120.

That is, the above prior patent is characterized in that the refrigerant is selectively supplied to the first evaporator 110 or the second evaporator 120 to perform cooling of one of the plurality of storage chambers and to stop cooling of the other storage chambers. do.

As described above, in the related art, a plurality of storage chambers are not simultaneously cooled, but one storage chamber and another storage chamber are selectively or alternately cooled.

In this case, the storage compartment in which cooling is performed may maintain a temperature within an appropriate range, but the temperature of the storage compartment not cooled rises, resulting in a problem that exceeds the normal range.

In addition, when it is detected that the temperature of the other storage compartment is out of the normal range while the cooling of one storage compartment is required, there is a problem that cooling of the other storage compartment cannot be performed immediately.

As a result, in a structure in which the storage compartment must be independently cooled, cold air cannot be supplied to the right place in a timely manner, resulting in a problem of lowering the operating efficiency of the refrigerator.

On the other hand, in order to simultaneously cool a plurality of storage chambers in the related art, when both outlet sides of the refrigerant supply means 170 are opened, the refrigerant flows to one of the plurality of evaporators.

In particular, when a three-way valve is used as a refrigerant supply means, the physical balance of the three-way valve is not maintained, so that a large amount of refrigerant flows into one evaporator and a relatively small amount of refrigerant flows into another evaporator.

Further, the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the condenser may include a gaseous refrigerant in which condensation is not completed. That is, the refrigerant passing through the condenser may have a two phase state including a liquid phase and a gas phase.

When such an abnormal refrigerant is supplied to the three-way valve and the physical equilibrium of the three-way valve is not maintained, the liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator connected to the inclined portion of the three-way valve, and the gaseous refrigerant flows to the opposite side of the three-way valve. There is a phenomenon that flows into the connected evaporator.

For example, based on the prior patent, if the physical balance of the refrigerant supply means 170 is not maintained, a large amount of liquid refrigerant flows into the first expansion device 113, and gaseous refrigerant flows into the second expansion device 123. There may be a phenomenon in which a lot of is introduced.

Accordingly, there is a problem that the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator into which the gaseous refrigerant flows is deteriorated.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide a refrigerator in which the condensation efficiency of a refrigerant is improved in order to solve this problem.

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; A condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; A refrigerant pipe for guiding the flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; A plurality of evaporation passages branched from the refrigerant pipe and in which an expansion device is installed; A flow control unit provided in the refrigerant pipe and supplying a refrigerant to at least one of the plurality of evaporation passages; A plurality of evaporators connected to the plurality of evaporation passages, respectively, for evaporating the refrigerant depressurized by the plurality of expansion devices; And a liquid refrigerant supply device provided at an outlet side of the condenser and supplying the liquid refrigerant to the flow control unit by separating the liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant heat exchanged in the condenser.

In addition, the liquid refrigerant supply device includes a liquid refrigerant storage unit having an inlet portion through which the refrigerant passing through the condenser is introduced and an outlet portion through which the liquid refrigerant is discharged.

In addition, the liquid refrigerant storage portion includes a guide surface extending downwardly inclined from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion to guide the flow of the liquid refrigerant.

In addition, the liquid refrigerant supply device further includes one or more extension pipes extending upward from the liquid refrigerant storage unit and providing a flow space of the gaseous refrigerant.

In addition, a plurality of the extension pipes are provided and are coupled to the upper surface of the liquid refrigerant storage unit.

In addition, the liquid refrigerant supply device further includes a gaseous refrigerant collecting unit coupled in a direction crossing the extension pipe to collect the gaseous refrigerant.

In addition, the gas phase refrigerant collecting unit is characterized in that it is provided on the upper side of the extension pipe.

In addition, a main body having a storage compartment is further included, and the main body includes: an outer case forming an exterior of the main body; An inner case that forms an inner exterior of the storage chamber and is assembled inside the outer case; And a heat insulating material provided between the outer case and the inner case.

In addition, the liquid refrigerant supply device is characterized in that it is installed in the heat insulating material.

In addition, the storage chamber includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, and the liquid refrigerant supply device is installed in an insulating material provided at the rear of the refrigerating chamber.

In addition, a dryer is connected to the outlet side of the liquid refrigerant supply device and further includes a dryer for removing moisture or impurities from the liquid refrigerant, and the liquid refrigerant from which moisture or impurities have been removed is introduced into the flow control unit.

In addition, the plurality of evaporation passages may include: a plurality of first evaporation passages for guiding the inflow of refrigerant into a first evaporator among the plurality of evaporators; And a second evaporation passage for guiding the inflow of the refrigerant to a second evaporator among the plurality of evaporators.

In addition, a plurality of the second evaporation passages may be provided, and the flow control unit may be operated to branch the refrigerant into the plurality of first evaporation passages and the plurality of second evaporation passages.

In addition, the first evaporation passage or the second evaporation passage is characterized in that a flow rate control unit capable of adjusting the opening degree is installed.

In addition, the flow control unit, characterized in that the four sides or five sides are included.

According to the proposed embodiment, the liquid refrigerant supply device is provided at the outlet side of the condenser to additionally condense the gaseous refrigerant among the refrigerants that have passed through the condenser, so that the liquid refrigerant can be supplied to the dryer or flow controller, thereby improving the condensation efficiency of the refrigerant. The advantage is that you can do it.

In particular, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which the evaporation efficiency of the evaporator is deteriorated because the gaseous refrigerant is directed to some of the plurality of evaporators, even if the flow control unit is not physically balanced.

In addition, since the liquid refrigerant supply device includes a liquid refrigerant storage unit provided below, an extension pipe extending to the upper side of the liquid refrigerant storage unit, and a gaseous refrigerant collecting unit, the difference in density (gravity) of the gaseous and liquid refrigerants There is an advantage that only the liquid refrigerant can be easily discharged due to phase separation.

In addition, the gaseous refrigerant located in the extension pipe and the gaseous refrigerant collecting unit may be additionally condensed through heat exchange with the outside and collected in the lower part.

In addition, since the liquid refrigerant supply device may be installed on a heat insulating material positioned between the outer case and the inner case of the main body of the refrigerator, there is an advantage that there is no need to provide a separate space for arranging the liquid refrigerant supply device. .

In addition, since the temperature of the heat insulating material is formed between the storage chamber temperature of the refrigerator (about 2° C.) and the refrigerator external temperature (about 25° C.), it is lower than the condensation temperature of the refrigerant, so that the gas phase refrigerant can be effectively condensed.

In addition, since a plurality of evaporators can be operated simultaneously, there is an advantage that cooling of a plurality of storage chambers can be effectively performed.

1 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 2.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 2.
5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a liquid refrigerant supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a liquid refrigerant supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant flow in the liquid refrigerant supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same idea.

1 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of devices for driving a refrigeration cycle.

In detail, in the refrigerator 10, a compressor 110 for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser 120 for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 110, and a refrigerant condensed in the condenser 120 are decompressed. A plurality of expansion devices (141, 143) and a plurality of evaporators (150, 160) for evaporating the refrigerant depressurized by the plurality of expansion devices (141, 143) are included.

In addition, the refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerant pipe 100 that connects the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the expansion devices 141, 143 and 145, and the evaporators 150 and 160 to guide the flow of the refrigerant.

In the plurality of evaporators 150 and 160, a first evaporator 150 for generating cold air to be supplied to one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, and a second evaporator 160 for generating cold air to be supplied to the other storage chamber Is included. As an example, the first evaporator 150 may be a refrigerating chamber side evaporator for supplying cool air to the cooling chamber, and the second evaporator 160 may be a freezing chamber side evaporator for supplying cool air to the freezing chamber.

In the plurality of expansion devices (141,143), a first expansion device (141) for expanding the refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 150 and a second expansion device (141) for expanding the refrigerant to be introduced into the second evaporator (160). An expansion device 143 is included. The first and second expansion devices 141 and 143 may include a capillary tube.

At the inlet side of the first evaporator 150, a first refrigerant passage 101 is provided to guide the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator 150 and in which the first expansion device 141 is installed. The first refrigerant passage 101 may be referred to as a "first evaporation passage" in that it guides the inflow of the refrigerant into the first evaporator 150.

Further, at the inlet side of the second evaporator 160, a second refrigerant passage 103 is provided to guide the inflow of refrigerant into the second evaporator 160 and in which the second expansion device 143 is installed. The second refrigerant passage 103 may be referred to as a "second evaporation passage" in that it guides the inflow of the refrigerant into the second evaporator 160.

The first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 may be understood as a "branch passage" branched from the refrigerant pipe 100.

The refrigerator 10 further includes a flow control unit 130 for branching and flowing the refrigerant into the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103. The flow control unit 130 may be understood as a device that adjusts the flow of the refrigerant so that the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 are operated simultaneously, that is, the refrigerant flows into the first and second evaporators simultaneously.

The flow control unit 130 includes a three-way valve having one inlet portion through which the refrigerant is introduced and two outlet portions through which the refrigerant is discharged.

The first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 are respectively connected to the two outlet portions of the flow control unit 130. Accordingly, the refrigerant passing through the flow control unit 130 may be branched into the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 and discharged. The outlet portions connected to the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 are sequentially referred to as "first outlet" and "second outlet".

At least one of the first and second outlets may be opened. When all of the first and second outlets are opened, the refrigerant flows through the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103. On the other hand, when the first outlet is opened and the second outlet is closed, the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant passage 101. In addition, when the second outlet is opened and the first outlet is closed, the refrigerant flows through the second refrigerant passage 103.

The refrigerator 10 includes blowing fans 125, 155, and 165 provided on one side of the heat exchanger to blow air. The blowing fans 125, 155, and 165 include a condensing fan 125 provided at one side of the condenser 120, a first evaporating fan 155 provided at one side of the first evaporator 150, and the second evaporator 160. A second evaporation fan 165 provided on one side of) is included.

The heat exchange capacity of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 may vary according to the rotational speed of the first and second evaporating fans 155 and 165. For example, when it is necessary to generate a lot of cold air according to the operation of the first evaporator 150, the rotational speed of the first evaporation fan 155 increases, and when there is sufficient cold air, the first evaporation fan 155 The rotation speed of the can be reduced.

In the refrigerator 10, a liquid refrigerant supply device 200 provided at an outlet side of the condenser 120 to allow a liquid refrigerant among abnormal refrigerants that have passed through the condenser 120 to flow into the flow control unit 130. Includes more.

The liquid refrigerant supply device 200 separates the liquid refrigerant from the abnormal refrigerant and supplies it to the flow control unit 130, and the gaseous refrigerant is further condensed to phase into a liquid refrigerant and then supplied to the flow control unit 130. It is understood as a device to do. The liquid refrigerant supply device 200 may be referred to as a “secondary condensing device”.

In the refrigerator 10, between the liquid refrigerant supply device 200 and the flow control unit 130, a dryer 170 for removing moisture or impurities from the liquid refrigerant discharged from the liquid refrigerant supply device 200 Includes more. The liquid refrigerant from which moisture or impurities have been removed by the dryer 170 may flow into the flow control unit 130.

2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. to be.

2 to 4, in the refrigerator 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a storage compartment, that is, a body 20 forming a refrigerating compartment 30 and a freezing compartment 40, and a front side of the body 20 A plurality of doors 62 and 64 rotatably coupled are included. In addition, the main body 20 further includes a barrier 70 that partitions the refrigerating chamber 30 and the freezing chamber 40.

The plurality of doors 62 include a refrigerating compartment door 62 for selectively opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 30 and a freezing compartment door 64 for selectively opening and closing the freezing compartment 40.

A machine room 50 is formed under the main body 20. Inside the machine room 50, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the dryer 170, and the drain pan 126 may be disposed. The drain pan 126 may be installed under the condenser 120 to store condensed water condensed in the condenser 120.

In the main body 20, the outer case 22 forming the exterior of the refrigerator 10 and the outer case 22 are assembled to be spaced apart from each other to form the inner exterior of the refrigerating compartment 30 and the freezing compartment 40 An inner case 24 is further included.

The first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160 may be installed adjacent to the refrigerating chamber 30 or the freezing chamber 40.

When the first evaporator 150 is a refrigerating chamber side evaporator and the second evaporator 160 is a freezing chamber side evaporator, the freezing chamber side evaporator is, for example, a rear side of the freezing chamber 40, that is, an inner case of the freezing chamber 40 Can be installed at the rear. In addition, the refrigerating chamber-side evaporator may be installed on the barrier 70.

In addition, a machine room cover 28 covering an upper portion of the machine room 50 is provided inside the main body 20. The machine room cover 28 may be assembled inside the lower portion of the outer case 22.

In the space between the outer case 22 and the inner case 24 and the space between the machine room cover 28 and the inner case 24, an insulating material for insulating the interior of the storage chambers 30 and 40 from the outside ( 26) is placed. In addition, the insulating material 26 may be disposed inside the barrier 70 as well.

The liquid refrigerant supply device 200 may be installed inside the heat insulating material 26 located at the rear of the storage chambers 30 and 40. For example, the liquid refrigerant supply device 200 may be installed inside the heat insulating material 26 located at the rear of the refrigerating chamber 30.

The liquid refrigerant supply device 200 may receive the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the condenser 120 and supply a liquid refrigerant separated or phase-changed among refrigerants to the dryer 170.

In detail, the refrigerator 10 includes an inlet passage 109a extending from the outlet side of the condenser 120 to the liquid refrigerant supply device 200 and the dryer 170 or the liquid refrigerant supply device 200. An outlet flow path 109b extending to the flow control unit 130 is further included. The inlet passage 109a and the outlet passage 109b may form part of the refrigerant pipe 100.

The inlet passage 109a is connected to the upper portion of the liquid refrigerant storage unit 210 of the liquid refrigerant supply device 200. In addition, the outlet flow path 109b is connected to the lower portion of the liquid refrigerant storage unit 210. Accordingly, at least a portion of the refrigerant introduced through the inlet passage 109a may flow to the lower portion of the liquid refrigerant storage unit 210 and be discharged.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the liquid refrigerant supply device 200 will be described with reference to the drawings.

5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a liquid refrigerant supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a liquid refrigerant supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6, a liquid refrigerant supply device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid refrigerant storage unit 210 forming a flow space of the refrigerant, and from the liquid refrigerant storage unit 210 One or more extension pipes 220 extending upward and a vapor phase refrigerant collecting unit 230 coupled to the extending pipe 200 and capable of collecting the vapor phase refrigerant are included.

In detail, the liquid refrigerant storage unit 210 includes a main body 211 having a storage space in which the liquid refrigerant is stored. The main body 211 may be referred to as a "case" having a predetermined volume.

The body portion 211 includes an inlet portion 212 coupled to the inlet passage 109a and an outlet portion 215 coupled to the outlet passage 109b. The inlet 212 is formed on one side of the main body 211, and the outlet 215 is formed on the other side of the main body 211. The inlet portion 212 and the outlet portion 215 are formed to be spaced apart.

In addition, the inlet portion 212 is formed at a position higher than the outlet portion 215. An abnormal refrigerant after heat exchange in the condenser 120 may flow into the inlet 212. In addition, the outlet portion 215 may be formed at a position lower than the inlet portion 212 so that a liquid refrigerant having a relatively high density among the abnormal refrigerants may flow downward and be discharged.

The body portion 211 includes a guide surface 213 for guiding the refrigerant introduced from the inlet portion 212 to the outlet portion 215. The guide surface 213 forms one surface of the body part 211 and may extend from the inlet part 212 to the outlet part 215.

Since the inlet part 212 is located above the outlet part 215, the guide surface 213 extends obliquely from the inlet part 212 toward the outlet part 215. In detail, the guide surface 213 may extend obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane.

As the guide surface 213 extends obliquely downward, the liquid refrigerant among the abnormal refrigerants introduced through the inlet part 212 can flow to the outlet part 215 along the guide surface 213 by gravity. have.

The extension pipe 220 extends upward or in a vertical direction from the upper surface of the main body 211. The extension pipe 220 provides a flow path through which a gaseous refrigerant among abnormal refrigerants introduced through the inlet part 212 can flow or diffuse upward.

Since the gaseous refrigerant has a smaller density than the liquid refrigerant, it is limited to flow downward along the guide surface 213, and may flow upward through the extension pipe 220. In addition, the gaseous refrigerant may be condensed by heat exchange with the outside of the liquid refrigerant supply device 200 in the process of flowing the extension pipe 220.

A plurality of the extension pipes 220 may be spaced apart from each other and may be provided, and the plurality of extension pipes 220 may extend parallel to each other.

The vapor phase refrigerant collecting unit 230 is coupled in a direction crossing the plurality of extension pipes 220. For example, the vapor phase refrigerant collecting unit 230 may extend in a horizontal direction. The gaseous refrigerant flowing through the plurality of extension pipes 220 may be spread to the inner space of the gaseous refrigerant collecting unit 230 to be condensed by heat exchange with the outside of the liquid refrigerant supply device 200.

7 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant flow in a liquid refrigerant supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 120 flows into the main body 211 through the inlet 212. In this case, the condensed refrigerant may include a liquid refrigerant (solid arrow) and a gaseous refrigerant (dotted arrow).

The liquid refrigerant may flow downward toward the outlet portion 215 by its own weight. In this case, the liquid refrigerant may flow along the guide surface 213 obliquely extending downward.

Meanwhile, the gaseous refrigerant flows to the upper portion of the main body 211 due to a small density, and may flow into the plurality of extension pipes 220. In addition, the gaseous refrigerant may flow upward along the plurality of extension pipes 220 and exchange heat with the outside.

Outside of the extension pipe 220, the insulating material 26 is located. In detail, the heat insulating material 26 may be arranged to be in contact with the extension pipe 220.

The heat insulating material 26 is understood as a member that is provided between the refrigerating chamber 30 having an internal temperature of about 2°C and the indoor space having a temperature of about 25°C to block heat transfer due to a temperature difference.

The temperature of the heat insulating material 26 may form a temperature between the 2 ℃ and 25 ℃. On the other hand, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 120 may form a temperature of about 30 ~ 40 ℃. Accordingly, the extension pipe 220 and the heat insulating material 26 may be heat-exchanged by a conduction method (Q1), and the refrigerant may be condensed as a result of the heat exchange.

As a result, at least some of the gaseous refrigerants flowing through the plurality of extension pipes 220 may be condensed. In addition, the condensed refrigerant flows downward along the inner surface of the extension pipe 220 and may be stored in the liquid refrigerant storage unit 210.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing upward along the extension pipe 220 may flow into the vapor phase refrigerant collecting unit 230. The gaseous refrigerant collecting unit 230 and the heat insulating material 26 may be heat-exchanged by a conduction method (Q2), and as a result of the heat exchange, the refrigerant of the gaseous refrigerant collecting unit 230 may be condensed.

As a result, at least a part of the refrigerant in the gas phase refrigerant collecting unit 230 may be condensed, and the condensed refrigerant may be stored in the liquid refrigerant storage unit 210 through the extension pipe 220.

In this way, the abnormal refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 120 is condensed while passing through the liquid refrigerant supply device 200, and the condensed liquid refrigerant may be supplied to the dryer 170 or the flow control unit 130. . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which a gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the flow control unit 130 so that a large amount of liquid refrigerant is introduced into one evaporator and a large amount of gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the other evaporator.

Hereinafter, the second to fifth embodiments of the refrigeration cycle in which the liquid refrigerant supply device is employed will be described.

In these embodiments, the idea that the liquid refrigerant supply device is connected to the outlet side of the condenser and the liquid refrigerant discharged from the liquid refrigerant supply device is supplied to the flow control unit through the dryer is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted. do. Compared with the first embodiment, a description will be given focusing on the differences.

8 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the refrigerator 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a dryer 170 into which a liquid refrigerant discharged from a liquid refrigerant supply device 200 flows into, and a dryer 170 connected to the dryer 170 A flow control unit 130 and a first evaporator 150 and a second evaporator 160 are included.

At the inlet side of the first evaporator 150, a plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 105 for guiding the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator 150 are provided.

The plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 105 include a first refrigerant passage 101 in which a first expansion device 141 is installed and a third refrigerant passage 105 in which a third expansion device 145 is installed. A capillary tube may be included in the first to third expansion devices 141, 143, and 145.

The first and third refrigerant passages 101 and 105 may be referred to as "first evaporation passages" in that they guide the inflow of the refrigerant into the first evaporator 150. The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant passage 101 and the third refrigerant passage 105 may be laminated and then introduced into the first evaporator 150.

In addition, at the inlet side of the second evaporator 160, one refrigerant passage 103 is provided to guide the inflow of the refrigerant into the second evaporator 160. The one refrigerant flow path 103 includes a second refrigerant flow path 103 in which a second expansion device 143 is installed. The second refrigerant passage 103 may be referred to as a "second evaporation passage" in that it guides the inflow of the refrigerant into the second evaporator 160.

The flow control unit 130 includes a four-way valve having one inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced and three outlets through which the refrigerant is discharged.

According to the control of the flow control unit 130, the flow path of the refrigerant may vary. Further, the control of the flow control unit 130 may be performed based on whether the refrigerant in the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160 is insufficient or insufficient.

For example, when the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 are operated simultaneously, when the first evaporator 150 is relatively short of refrigerant, the refrigerant may flow through the first to third refrigerant passages 101, 103 and 105. So that the flow control unit 130 is controlled.

On the other hand, when the refrigerant is relatively insufficient in the second evaporator 160, the third refrigerant passage 105 is closed, and the flow is controlled so that the refrigerant can flow through the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103. The unit 130 is controlled.

That is, a plurality of flow paths 101 and 105 of the refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 150 are provided, and the first evaporator 150 is selectively controlled by selectively controlling the flow of the refrigerant through the plurality of flow paths 101 and 105. Alternatively, the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the second evaporator 160 may be adjusted.

Compared to the inlet side of the second evaporator 160, more refrigerant passages are formed on the inlet side of the first evaporator 150, so that when all the first to third refrigerant passages 101, 103, and 105 are open, the refrigerant Compared to the second evaporator 160, it is able to flow relatively more to the first evaporator 150.

Meanwhile, when the second evaporator 160 is a freezer side evaporator, the diameter of the second expansion device 143 may be slightly smaller than that of the first and third expansion devices 141 and 145. In this case, a decompression effect of the refrigerant passing through the second expansion device 143 may be greater than that of the first and third expansion devices 141 and 145.

Conversely, when the first evaporator 150 is a freezer side evaporator, the diameters of the first and third expansion devices 141 and 145 may be slightly smaller than that of the second expansion device 143. In this case, a decompression effect of the refrigerant passing through the first and third expansion devices 141 and 145 may be greater than that of the second expansion device 143.

9 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, in the refrigerator 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of refrigerant passages 101, 103, 105, and 107 extending from the outlet side of the flow control unit 130 to the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 Is included.

The plurality of refrigerant passages 101, 103, 105, and 107 are understood as "branch passages" branched from the refrigerant pipe 100, and a first refrigerant passage 101 and a third refrigerant passage 105 connected to the first evaporator 150 ), and a second refrigerant passage 103 and a fourth refrigerant passage 107 connected to the second evaporator 160.

The first and third refrigerant passages 101 and 105 are called “first evaporation passages” in that they guide the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator 150, and the second and fourth refrigerant passages 103 and 107 are In terms of guiding the inflow of the refrigerant into the second evaporator 160, it may be referred to as a "second evaporation channel".

The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant passage 101 and the third refrigerant passage 105 may be laminated and then introduced into the first evaporator 150. In addition, after the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant passage 103 and the fourth refrigerant passage 107 is laminated, it may be introduced into the second evaporator 160.

In the plurality of refrigerant passages 101, 103, 105 and 107, a plurality of expansion devices 141, 143, 145, and 147 are disposed. The plurality of expansion devices (141, 143, 145, 147) includes a capillary tube. In detail, the plurality of expansion devices 141, 143, 145, and 147 include a first expansion device 141 disposed in the first refrigerant passage 101, a second expansion device 143 disposed in the second refrigerant passage 103, And a third expansion device 145 disposed in the third refrigerant passage 105 and a fourth expansion device 147 disposed in the fourth refrigerant passage 107.

The flow control unit 130 may include a five-way valve including one inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced and four outlets through which the refrigerant is discharged. The four outlets may be connected to the first to fourth refrigerant passages 101, 103, 105, and 107.

Under the control of the flow control unit 130, at least one of the first refrigerant passage 101 and the third refrigerant passage 105, the second refrigerant passage 103 and the fourth refrigerant passage At least one of the refrigerant passages of 107 may be opened.

For example, when the first to third refrigerant passages 101, 103 and 105 are open and the fourth refrigerant passage 107 is closed, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 150 is the second evaporator 160 It may be more than the amount of refrigerant flowing into it.

On the other hand, when the first, second, and fourth refrigerant passages 101, 103 and 107 are opened and the third refrigerant passage 105 is closed, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 160 is the first evaporator 150 ) May be more than the amount of refrigerant flowing into it.

In this way, a plurality of refrigerant flow paths and an expansion device are provided at the inlet side of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160, and the plurality of refrigerant flow paths according to whether the refrigerant flowing into the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 is excessive or insufficient. Since the refrigerant flow rate can be controlled by opening or closing at least one of the refrigerant flow paths, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from being pulled through any one evaporator during simultaneous operation of the plurality of evaporators.

10 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, in the refrigerator 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 103 extending from the outlet side of the flow control unit 130 to the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 Is included.

The plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 103 are understood as "branch passages" branched from the refrigerant pipe 100, and the first refrigerant passage 101 and the second evaporator 160 connected to the first evaporator 150 A second refrigerant passage 103 connected to) is included.

In the plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 103, a plurality of expansion devices 141 and 143 are disposed. A capillary tube is included in the plurality of expansion devices 141 and 143. In detail, in the plurality of expansion devices 141 and 143, a first expansion device 141 disposed in the first refrigerant passage 101 and a second expansion device 143 disposed in the second refrigerant passage 103 Included.

The flow control unit 130 may include a three-way valve including one inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced and two outlets through which the refrigerant is discharged. The two outlets may be connected to the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103.

The flow control unit 130 is controlled so that the refrigerant can be simultaneously introduced into the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103.

The refrigerator 10 includes flow rate control units 251 and 253 for controlling the flow of refrigerant. The flow rate controllers 251 and 253 may be installed in at least one of the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103. For example, in the flow rate control units 251 and 253, a first flow rate control unit 251 installed in the first refrigerant flow path 101 and a second flow rate control unit 253 installed in the second refrigerant flow path 103 ) Is included.

The first flow rate control unit 251 and the second flow rate control unit 253 may include an electric expansion valve (EV) capable of adjusting an opening degree.

In FIG. 10, the first and second flow rate control units 251 and 253 are shown to be provided on the outlet side of the first and second expansion devices 141 and 143, respectively. It may be provided separately on the inlet side.

When the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 251 or the second flow rate control unit 253 decreases, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the reduced opening degree decreases, and when the opening degree increases, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the increased opening degree The amount will increase.

For example, when the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 251 is relatively larger than the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 253, the refrigerant flows more through the first refrigerant flow path 101. On the other hand, if the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 253 is relatively larger than the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 251, the refrigerant flows more through the second refrigerant flow path 103.

By providing the first and second flow control units 251 and 253, it is possible to finely control the opening of the refrigerant flow path, and accordingly, the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160 is up to a minute level. Can be adjustable. As a result, during the simultaneous operation of the first and second evaporators, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from being drawn to the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160.

11 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, a refrigerator 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of compressors 111 and 115 for compressing a refrigerant.

In detail, the plurality of compressors 111 and 115 include a second compressor 115 disposed on a low pressure side and a first compressor 111 further compressing the refrigerant compressed by the second compressor 115.

The first compressor 111 and the second compressor 115 are connected in series. That is, the refrigerant pipe at the outlet side of the second compressor 115 is connected to the inlet side of the first compressor 111.

The outlet side refrigerant pipe 100 of the second evaporator 160 extends toward the inlet side of the second compressor 115. Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the second evaporator 160 may be sucked into the second compressor 115.

The outlet side refrigerant pipe 100 of the first evaporator 150 is connected to the outlet side refrigerant pipe of the second compressor 115. Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator 150 may be combined with the refrigerant compressed in the second compressor 115 and sucked into the first compressor 111.

In a plurality of expansion devices (141, 143, 145), a first expansion device 141 and a third expansion device 145 for expanding the refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 150, and the second evaporator 160 A second expansion device 143 for expanding the refrigerant to be used is included. A capillary may be included in the first to third expansion devices 141, 143, and 145.

In order to form the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the second evaporator 160 to be lower than the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the first evaporator 150, the capillary tube diameter of the second expansion device 143 is the first expansion device 141 And a capillary tube diameter of the third expansion device 145.

At the inlet side of the first evaporator 150, a plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 105 for guiding the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator 150 are provided. The plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 105 include a first refrigerant passage 101 in which the first expansion device 141 is installed and a third refrigerant passage 105 in which the third expansion device 145 is installed. .

In addition, a second refrigerant flow path 103 is provided at an inlet side of the second evaporator 160 to guide refrigerant inflow into the second evaporator 160.

Whether the first refrigerant passage 101 or the third refrigerant passage 105 is opened may be determined according to whether the refrigerant is drawn to the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160.

As an example, when the amount of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator 150 is insufficient, the flow control unit 130 may be controlled to open the first and third refrigerant passages 101 and 105. have. Here, whether the amount of the refrigerant is excessive or insufficient may be determined based on a temperature difference value at the inlet and outlet of the evaporator, as described in the second embodiment.

When the first and third refrigerant passages 101 and 105 are opened, the refrigerant may pass through the first expansion device 141 and the third expansion device 143 and flow into the first evaporator 150. In this case, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 100 may flow into the first evaporator 150 relatively more than the second evaporator 160.

On the other hand, when the amount of the refrigerant passing through the second evaporator 160 is insufficient, the flow control unit 130 may have one of the first refrigerant flow path 101 and the third refrigerant flow path 105 It can be controlled to be closed.

When the first refrigerant flow path 101 or the third refrigerant flow path 105 is closed, the refrigerant that can flow into the second evaporator 160 is opened when all of the first and third refrigerant flow paths 101 and 105 are open. In comparison, it can be more.

In this way, a plurality of refrigerant passages are provided at the inlet side of the first evaporator 150 to control whether it is opened or closed, and accordingly, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from being drawn into the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160.

10: refrigerator 101: first refrigerant flow path
103: second refrigerant passage 105: third refrigerant passage
107: fourth refrigerant flow path 110: compressor
120: condenser 130: flow control unit
141: first expansion device 143: second expansion device
145: third expansion device 147: fourth expansion device
150: first evaporator 160: second evaporator
200: liquid refrigerant supply device 210: liquid refrigerant storage unit
211: main body 212: inlet
213: guide surface 215: exit
220: extension pipe 230: vapor phase refrigerant collection unit

Claims (15)

A compressor for compressing a refrigerant;
A condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor;
A refrigerant pipe for guiding the flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser;
A plurality of evaporation passages branched from the refrigerant pipe;
An expansion device installed in each of the plurality of evaporation passages;
A flow control unit provided in the refrigerant pipe and supplying a refrigerant to at least one of the plurality of evaporation passages;
A plurality of evaporators connected to the plurality of evaporation channels and configured to evaporate the refrigerant depressurized by the expansion device; And
A liquid refrigerant supply device provided at the outlet side of the condenser and separating a liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant heat exchanged in the condenser and supplying it to the flow control unit,
In the liquid refrigerant supply device,
A liquid refrigerant storage unit having an inlet through which the refrigerant passing through the condenser flows in and an outlet through which the liquid refrigerant is discharged;
One or more extension pipes extending upward from the liquid refrigerant storage unit and providing a flow space for gaseous refrigerant; And
A refrigerator provided in a direction crossing the extension pipe and including a vapor phase refrigerant collecting unit through which the vapor phase refrigerant can be collected. delete The method of claim 1,
In the liquid refrigerant storage unit,
A refrigerator including a guide surface extending obliquely downward from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion to guide the flow of the liquid refrigerant. delete The method of claim 1,
A refrigerator, characterized in that a plurality of extension pipes are provided and are coupled to an upper surface of the liquid refrigerant storage unit. delete The method of claim 1,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the gas phase refrigerant collecting unit is provided on the upper side of the extension pipe. The method of claim 1,
The body further includes a storage compartment provided, the body,
An outer case forming an exterior of the main body;
An inner case that forms an inner exterior of the storage chamber and is assembled inside the outer case; And
A refrigerator further comprising an insulating material provided between the outer case and the inner case. The method of claim 8,
The liquid refrigerant supply device is a refrigerator, characterized in that installed on the heat insulating material. The method of claim 9,
The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezing compartment,
The liquid refrigerant supply device is a refrigerator, characterized in that it is installed in a heat insulating material provided at the rear of the refrigerating chamber. The method of claim 1,
A dryer connected to the outlet side of the liquid refrigerant supply device and further includes a dryer for removing moisture or impurities in the liquid refrigerant,
The liquid refrigerant from which moisture or impurities have been removed flows into the flow control unit. The method of claim 1,
In the plurality of evaporation passages,
A plurality of first evaporation passages for guiding the inflow of refrigerant into a first evaporator among the plurality of evaporators; And
A refrigerator including a second evaporation passage for guiding the inflow of the refrigerant into a second evaporator among the plurality of evaporators. The method of claim 12,
The second evaporation flow path is provided with a plurality,
Wherein the flow control unit is operable to branch the refrigerant into the plurality of first evaporation passages and the plurality of second evaporation passages. The method of claim 12,
In the first evaporation passage or the second evaporation passage,
A refrigerator, characterized in that a flow control unit capable of adjusting the opening degree is installed. The method of claim 1,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the flow control unit includes four sides or five sides.

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